Telegram Scams: When the Chat is Not Secure and the Con is Always On

Telegram is a popular messaging app that boasts end-to-end encryption and secure chats. But, as with any online platform, it’s not immune to scams. 

Telegram has become a breeding ground for various types of fraudulent activities, ranging from cryptocurrency scams to fake investment opportunities. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common Telegram scams and how you can avoid falling prey to them. 

So, buckle up and get ready to learn how to protect yourself from the sly tactics of scammers on Telegram. 

Is Telegram a safe chatting haven or a ticking time bomb?

• Boasting over 700 million monthly active users, Telegram has become one of the world’s most sought-after messaging applications. But, its widespread usage and reputation for anonymity have also made it an attractive target for cybercriminals and scammers.

• A recent screenshot sent on Telegram displaying a bank receipt that verifies a deposit of $24,000 via check has been shared. “I’m happy I was able to walk this for u .. let’s do it again yay,” reads the caption. A cybersecurity expert reveals that the post is promoting illicit services that result in billions of dollars in losses for U.S. banks every year.

• Maria Noriega, a senior cyber-intelligence analyst at Q6 Cyber, a cybersecurity firm that consults for CNBC, states “Check fraud, and perhaps fraud in general, flourishes on Telegram mainly due to its unrestrictive nature.”

• Even though Telegram has told CNBC that they have “banned millions of chats and accounts for violating our Terms of Service.” Even then Q6 Cyber was able to find at least 30 channels on Telegram dedicated to sharing the latest tips and tricks to commit bank fraud.

• So taking security measures is a must while using Telegram but before that, it’s important to know how to spot a scam to avoid falling for one.

Don’t get fooled! 11 latest Telegram scams to look out for

1. Fake Telegram channels and groups

Telegram channels and groups are online forums where like-minded people can engage in conversations about various topics. However, scammers often create fake channels and groups, also known as “copycat” versions mimicking the appearance of legitimate ones, to deceive unsuspecting victims and steal their data or crypto money.

Here’s an example of such a scam

A scammer formed a Telegram group with the name “Coinbase,” and added a massive number of users. The scammer then impersonated a representative from Coinbase and enticed people with the promise of daily giveaways, all while attempting to obtain unauthorized access to their accounts.

2. Fake “Crypto Experts”

Telegram has emerged as a go-to messaging platform for cryptocurrency and blockchain enthusiasts. Unfortunately, scammers have also recognized this trend and are exploiting it by impersonating crypto experts on Telegram to deceive people into giving up their coins, money, or login credentials.

These scams frequently rely on the promise of a “guaranteed” return on your crypto investment. Scammers may reply to Twitter posts or directly contact you on Telegram, claiming to be able to offer a 50% return on your investment.

If you fall for the trap, the scammers will likely request that you create an account or provide other sensitive information.

3. Phishing scams using Telegram bots

Hackers can enter the phone number of a Telegram user, and an automated Telegram bot will then call the user and try to persuade them to reveal personal information, login credentials for bank accounts, passwords, and even two-factor authentication (2FA) codes.

If a user picks up the phone, scammers on forums claim that these bots are effective 80% of the time. Even worse, for as little as $300 a month, anyone may use these bots and commit scams. 

Here’s what this scam looks like:

4. Tech support phishing

You’re sharing an issue you’re having in a Telegram group. Suddenly, a tech support representative from that business joins the conversation and offers to assist you with troubleshooting. The problem is that this person is either a con artist or a scammer’s robot.

This bot or scammer will look for information that could give access to your financial accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, or worse while “helping” you with your technical problems. They will collect your information in general and send you links to phishing websites.

Here’s what this scam looks like:

5. Crypto giveaways 

Targeting unsuspecting Telegram users with fake Binance or other crypto profiles is how this scam works. Potential victims are under a time constraint to make a quick decision. Even though it makes no sense to send any amount of cryptocurrency to receive free cryptos because that’s not how most blockchain works.

But since most individuals have such a limited understanding of the crypto realm, they fall for such obvious schemes.

Here’s what this scam looks like:

6. Impersonating a friend

Impersonating a friend also known as a “friend in need” scam is a well-known fraud that affects various communication channels, from email to Telegram. 

Scammers do background checks on you, your family, and your friends. Then they pretend to be someone close to you and ask for money urgently.

Here’s what this scam may sound like:

“Hey, I need money ASAP! My mother’s in the hospital.”

7. Fake Telegram admins

Official Telegram usernames are unique, so scammers can’t simply clone an existing one. But these crafty con artists have another trick up their sleeves, creating account names that are eerily similar to the real deal.

These lookalike accounts often swoop in to “assist” you when you post a public query. But beware! Behind that friendly facade lies a scam to either infiltrate your account or lure you off-platform to a phishing site where they can pull off their scamming shenanigans.

Here’s what this scam looks like:

8. Classified ad scams

Fake classified ads or Classiscams are similar to Telegram bot scams but this scam has robbed unsuspecting victims of about $6.5 million through fake listings on classified sites. They’ll bait you with deals on cameras, laptops, and iOS devices, but the catch is that you have to reach out over Telegram to seal the deal. 

Little do you know, you’ll be chatting with a sneaky bot whose only interest is in stealing your personal information. Talk about a classic scam with a modern twist!

Here’s what this scam looks like:

9. Fake crypto signal groups

Imagine a digital version of a snake oil salesman, operating in the shady world of cryptocurrency on Telegram. They go by the name “Pump and Dump” scammers, and they have a slick playbook. 

First, they hype up an asset, creating a frenzy of buying activity to artificially inflate its value (pumping). Then, when the price is at its peak, they swiftly sell off their stash at the inflated price, leaving unsuspecting buyers holding the bag (dumping). 

It’s a crafty con, perfectly suited for Telegram’s fast-paced environment, where these scam artists prey on the greed and FOMO of their victims.

Here’s what this scam looks like:

10. Bogus job opportunities

Just like how WhatsApp is the go-to for global chats, Telegram has also become a favorite contact method in many corners of the world. But if you receive a job offer on Telegram, be wary! Legitimate recruiters and employers don’t usually conduct their hiring process through a chat app. Don’t fall for the fake job listings!

Here’s what this scam looks like:

11. Love trap

Romance scams on Telegram are all about building fake relationships to gain your trust. But watch out, these flings are often short-lived or involve mature content.

And once they have gained your trust they won’t shy away from asking for gifts or money to supposedly come to visit you. Or they may also request sensitive photos or videos, which they can use later for blackmail.

How to outsmart the swindlers on Telegram

Here are some pointers for avoiding Telegram scams:

1. Be cautious of unknown contacts

Avoid accepting friend requests or engaging in conversations with strangers on Telegram. Scammers often use fake profiles to initiate contact and lure victims into their traps.

2. Verify the identity of contacts

If you receive messages or job offers from potential employers or recruiters on Telegram, make sure to verify their identity before sharing any personal information or engaging in financial transactions. 

Look for official verification badges or contact the company directly through their official website or phone number to confirm their authenticity.

3. Avoid sharing sensitive information

Be cautious about sharing sensitive information, such as your financial details, passwords, or personal identification information, with anyone on Telegram. Legitimate organizations will never ask for such information over chat apps.

4. Don’t send money or gifts

Never entertain requests for money or gifts from unknown contacts on Telegram. Scammers often use various excuses, such as emergencies or travel expenses, to manipulate victims into sending them money or gifts. Always verify the authenticity of such requests before taking any action.

5. Be cautious of romance schemes

Romance scams are common on Telegram, so be cautious of romantic advances from unknown contacts and avoid sharing personal or financial information with them without proper verification.

6. Report and block suspicious contacts

If you come across suspicious contacts or receive shady messages on Telegram, report them to Telegram’s support team and block them to prevent further communication.

7. Don’t click on links

Even if a link appears to be authentic, it may direct you to a phishing website or cause your device to download or run harmful code. 

If someone provides you with a link for any reason, go straight to the site and do your searching there. Can’t locate it? The link was most likely fake.

8. Shield yourself from getting added to random Telegram groups and channels

Many scams on Telegram start with you unwittingly ending up in suspicious groups or channels. Often, this happens when you’ve been added without your consent. Here’s how you can prevent this from happening:

• Open Telegram and click on the sandwich menu (three bars) in the top left corner.
• Go to “Settings” and then “Privacy and Security.”
• Select “Groups & Channels.”
• Under “Group Invite Settings”, change “Who Can Add Me to Groups and Channels” from “Everyone” to “My Contacts.”
• Tap “Save” and you’re all set!

This will help protect you from getting added to random groups.

9. Educate yourself about common scams

Stay informed about common types of scams on Telegram and educate yourself about their warning signs. Being aware of potential scams will help you identify and avoid falling prey to them.

10. Install a reliable VPN service for additional security

Protect your identity with the trusted VPN service of PureVPN, offering top-notch encryption to keep your online activities anonymous. Don’t let scammers trick you into believing they’re connected to you or blackmail you for your money.

Scammed and confused? Here’s your next move!

Discovering you’ve been scammed on Telegram can be distressing. But don’t panic, here’s what you can do next to take control:

Stop all communication

• Immediately cut off contact with the scammer on Telegram. 
• Do not respond to their messages or engage in any further transactions.

Gather evidence

• Take screenshots or save any conversations, emails, or transaction details related to the scam as evidence for potential legal actions or reporting to authorities.

Report the scam

• Report the scam to Telegram’s support team and provide them with all relevant details, including the scammer’s username, chat history, and any evidence you have gathered.
• You can do this by clicking on the Report Spam button.
• If the reported message is confirmed as spam, the offending user’s account will be “limited.”
• This means they can only message people who already have them in their contacts, effectively cutting off their ability to spam strangers.
• Use the FTC’s special website to report what happened. The FTC uses such reports to bring cases against those responsible.
• If the scam you encountered involved a registered company. Use the Better Business Bureau’s complaint form.

Inform your bank about the scam

• If you have shared any financial information or made transactions with the scammer, contact your bank, credit card company, or other financial institutions to report the incident and take the necessary steps to protect your accounts.

Take control of your stolen identity

• If you’ve fallen victim to a scam on Telegram and suspect that your identity may be at risk, it’s important to take action promptly.
• To begin the process of recovering your identity, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s identity theft portal. This valuable resource guides on how to handle the aftermath of identity theft.

Be cautious of follow-up scams

• Scammers may try to target you again with follow-up scams, pretending to offer help or compensation for the previous scam. 
• Be vigilant and avoid engaging with any suspicious contacts or offers.

Educate others

• Share your experience with others to raise awareness about scams on Telegram and help prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.

Take preventive measures

• Learn from the experience and take preventive measures to protect yourself from future scams, such as being cautious and using security tools like VPNs or anti-malware software.

Stay one step ahead with PureVPN’s robust security features!

When it comes to safeguarding your Telegram chats, PureVPN is the ultimate choice. With unmatched security, anonymity, and privacy protection, PureVPN offers a plethora of benefits that will elevate your Telegram experience to the next level.

Enhanced security

• PureVPN’s 256-bit encryption will fortify your internet connection, making it nearly impossible for cybercriminals to intercept and steal your personal and financial information while using Telegram.

Privacy protection

• Say goodbye to prying eyes with PureVPN’s IP masking feature that conceals your IP address while chatting on Telegram, making it challenging for third parties to track your online activity.
• Plus, with PureVPN’s IP leak-proof feature, your IP address remains protected no matter what.

Military-grade security protocols

• When using Telegram on public WiFi, security is crucial. PureVPN offers powerful built-in security features like WireGuard and IKEv2, providing you with military-grade protection, even on public networks.

Bottom line

In conclusion, while Telegram is a popular messaging app with many useful features, it is not immune to scams and fraudulent activities.

It is essential to take appropriate measures to protect your personal and financial information. Also, avoid sharing sensitive information with unknown or untrusted contacts. Stay vigilant and use reliable VPN services for added security.

For any assistance regarding VPN, don’t hesitate to reach out via the LiveChat option.

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